The Ultimate Warrior dies at 54, WWE says

The Ultimate Warrior appears in a publicity photo before his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 5, 2014. WWE announced three days later that he died. (Jonathan Bachman / AP Images for WWE)

April 8, 2014 12:00:00 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES --

Wrestling superstar The Ultimate Warrior, who was born James Hellwig, has died, according WWE officials. He was 54.

"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," the group said in a statement on Tuesday. "WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior's family, friends and fans."

The wrestler's cause of death has not been released. The news comes as a shock to many fans, who saw his recent appearance on "Monday Night Raw." Just last weekend, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and appeared at WrestleMania 30.

Hellwig began his WWE career in 1987. He defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI to become WWE Champion.